On arrival, airport pick up and transfer to hotel for early check-in & breakfast. After check-in, you’re free to relax after your flight. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

8:00am pick up at your hotel for full day tour of Hanoi. A blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, museum, and the simple cottage where he lived and worked. Then visit the Presidential Palace and One Pillar pagoda, or Chua Mot Cot, originally built in 1040 A.D. on a pillar constructed of a single large tree trunk. Continue visiting West Lake with Tran Quoc Pagoda. Then explore Van Mieu, also known as the Temple of Literature, which dates to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Stop at the Fine Arts Museum with its ethnographical displays, paintings, and famous lacquerware. Then step inside the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Then visit the Huu Tiep area to see an American B-52 that was shot down during the Christmas bombing of 1972 and now sits rusting in a small pond. Onward to beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. It is closely linked to the legend of Le Loi, the hero who asked the heavens for help in resisting the advance of the Chinese in 1418 A.D. Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Later this afternoon enjoy the delightful water puppet show, a fascinating art form that originated in northern Vietnam. Overnight at the same hotel. 

 

Arise early and discover the other side of Hanoi and Hanoians. See the fruit sellers set up their wares and the children head to school in their crisp white uniforms. Tai Chi is done daily in most of Hanoi Park’s. Around 6:00am our guide will greet you at your hotel from where we start your excursion. First, we visit to the famous flower market where hundreds of different kinds of flowers are sold in bulk to flower shops. From there, continue to Long Bien Bridge, where underneath is one of the biggest and busiest fruit markets of Hanoi. Both these markets are only seen in the early morning! Next, we will travel on foot and watch the Old Quarter begin to wake up with street side markets preparing for the morning. We’ll also make our way to Hoan Kiem Lake to witness, and maybe even take part in doing, Tai Chi and jogging. As the sun rises and the light becomes perfect, take every opportunity to snap some of the best photos of your trip. Finish your morning tour with a traditional Hanoi breakfast of Pho Bo or Banh Cuon (included), and head back to your hotel to rest for the day ahead. Then free day in Hanoi on your own. Hanoi is a very nice, serene city of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant parks and grand French architecture. If interested, wander the shops, galleries, and boulevards of Hanoi, the “Paris of the East.” There are many art galleries in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a few of the more popular ones include Hang Gai, Ly Quoc Su, Hang Bo, Nha Tho, Natasha, and the Apricot Galleries

 

Later this afternoon, enjoy a Hanoi foodie tour. At 16:30 meet your guide and walk to Hoan Kiem Street to taste Nom Bo Kho (Papaya salad with fried beef) at Thanh Hai. Later, continue to Hang Be Street where the local people sell foods on both sides of the street. Continue to narrow and quiet Trung Yen Alley and to Dinh Liet Street where the adventurous may sample snails, a local delicacy. Then continue walking to Ta Hien Street where you can enjoy grilled pigeon (Chim Cau Nuong) – famous in Hanoi at Truong Tho stall. Moving forward, you’ll see Hang Buom Street, Bach Ma temple, Hang Giay (Candy Street) and Hang Chieu Street. The food section of Hanoi’s main Dong Xuan Market includes a street food alley for noodle soup, fruit stalls, and coffee. Here you can enjoy Nem Cua Be (crab spring roll) and Mien Luon (eel vermicelli) at Hang Nga stall. Keep walking to Hang Duong, then to Hang Bo streets where you will stop for traditional Banh Cuon Quang An at 71 Hang Bo and have a cup of egg coffee for dessert at Café Pho Co at 11 Hang Gai Street with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel around 19:30 – 20:00. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

8:00am pick up at your hotel and drive to Ha Long. On the way to Ha Long city, enjoy the views of the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo, and everyday Vietnamese village life.

12:00 – 12:30: Embark at Hon Gai harbor.

12:30 – 13:00: Check-in and enjoy a welcome drink during the cruise briefing.

13:30 – 14:30: Have lunch in the outdoor dining room (depending on the weather condition) while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the fascinating formations on the way.

15:30: Arrive at Mua Hoa area to take a dip or go kayaking through the mysterious Karst Mountains.

17:30: Back to the boat to refresh yourself in the outdoor or indoor mineral seawater pool or fitness room or take advantage of the spa and massage services while cruising to Cap La area.

19:00: Elegant dinner served on board.

20:30: Free time for relaxing or visiting with the staff. Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay on join-in Dragon Legend Boat.

 

7:00 – 8:00: Start a new day with Tai Chi on the sundeck and morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

8:00 – 8:30: Have breakfast in the fresh air while cruising to Vung Vieng Fishing Village.

9:50: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic rowboat, and pass through the floating houses and fish farms.

11:30: Swimming, kayaking or visiting Thien Canh Son cave.

12:30: BBQ lunch on the beach.

15:00: Back to the boat to begin cruising to Cong Dam or Cua Lach area (depending on weather conditions) to explore the mysterious Karst Mountains

17:30: Cocktail party on board while taking in the sunset.

19:00: Dinner on board.

20:30: Free time for visiting with staff or enjoying other evening activities ranging from squid fishing to the beauty spa and service on board. Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay on join-in Dragon Legend Boat.

 

7:00: Start your day with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air.

9:30 – 10:00: Start cruising towards the harbor, taking in the scenery on the way. Gather your belongings and check out of cabin.

10:45: Buffet lunch will be served.

11:30 – 12:00: Disembark. Then join-in your shuttle bus back to Hanoi and stop at Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu Province for a short break in this typical Vietnamese agricultural village, which is rich in culture and traditions.

13:30 – 14:00: Enjoy water puppet show performed by local artists. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

7:00am depart Hanoi and drive about 5 hours to the mountain village of Sapa by air-conditioned car with driver and guide on the new highway. Arrive at Sapa in the afternoon and have some free time to settle in and freshen up at your hotel before starting a half-day trek to Lao Cai and Ta Van (vehicle is available for those who don’t wish to trek). Begin the 3.5 miles walk by descending into a rice-terraced valley at the foot of Mount Fansipan (featuring the highest peak in Indochina), with its beautiful landscape. Walk though isolated villages, rice fields, and thatched roof villages where H’mong people live. Observe the H’mong at work and at play in their distinctive dark blue dress. Continue hiking to the village of Ta Van, one of the few villages in Vietnam inhabited by the Zay tribe. Arrive in Ta Van this late afternoon, continue exploring the villages nearby, then pick up and drive back to Sapa. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Sapa town and its fascinating market. Overnight in Sapa.

 

After breakfast, travel by car toward Silver Waterfall where you will be able to stretch and enjoy the scenery. Continue to Heaven Gate on the highest altitude roads in Vietnam. From there you can see Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, and its stunning views. We start descending nearby the waterfall on a trail which takes you all the way downhill through the bamboo forest of Hoang Lien National Park. Your picnic lunch will be served at a nice spot nearby a river. After lunch, continue your trek to the Black H’mong village at Sin Chai, where you will have an opportunity to explore the daily life of one of the largest ethnic minorities in the Sapa area. Then transfer back to Sapa for overnight. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

Day 9: Sunday (B): Sapa – Bac Ha Sunday Market – Hanoi – flight to Hue

After breakfast, ride approximately 3 hours to Bac Ha to explore the spectacular Sunday Market. Here you will see local hill tribes from all over the area. The major tribe is Flower H’mong, along with the Black Yao, Nung, and Phu La tribes all coming from neighboring villages to exchange local produce and livestock from their farms. After visiting Bac Ha market, drive 2.5 miles to the Flower H’mong village of Ban Pho, meet up with a local family, and learn their culture and way of life. After lunch in Bac Ha (on your account), walk to various villages if interested before drive back to Hanoi via the new express highway, a drive of approximately five hours. Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon & straight to airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival at Hue airport, pick up and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hue.

 

After breakfast, depart with your personal guide and driver and begin exploring Hue. First, visit the former Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Hue was the capital of Vietnam until the early 20th century, and generations of royalty lived in the Forbidden Purple City, inside the walled exterior of the Citadel. This was also the site of some of the most brutal fighting during the infamous Tet Offensive. This afternoon take a boat trip up the Perfume River past some lush, dreamlike countryside and charming scenes of Vietnamese life to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. The Royal Tombs, with their vast, lovingly-tended botanical gardens, beautiful open air pavilions and numerous shrines, were to provide the seven Nguyen Emperors noble burials as well as comfortable afterlives. The tombs of Minh Mang and Tu Duc are the most elegant while that of Khai Dinh is the most unusual, combining Western architecture with Vietnamese style.

 

Next, you’ll see Tu Hieu Pagoda, which is associated with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, the famous monk who studied at the monastery in the 1940’s but lived in exile for more than 40 years before he was allowed to return to his homeland in 2005. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples. In a corner of the grounds, note the aged, pale blue Morris automobile, which transported a local monk to Saigon where he immolated himself in 1963 in protest against the anti-Buddhist laws of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime. Finish the day with a visit to the Dong Ba Market. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

7:00am pick-up at your hotel in Hue and head north on Highway One toward Dong Ha, stopping at sites along the way, such as Highway of Horror, Quang Tri City, and the Ai Tu Airfield. Continue to Dong Ha, the former headquarters of the 9^th Marines, then head west on Route 9. The first stop is the Rockpile, a lookout used by the Marine Corps. Continue to Khe Sanh village, and visit Khe Sanh Combat Base. Lunch in Dong Ha. After lunch, head north to visit the Peace Bridge over the Ben Hai River at the middle of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the river that was the only true physical demarcation between North and South Vietnam. Continue to Vinh Moc Tunnels, the refuge of over 400 people during the bombing operation known as “Rolling Thunder.” Back to Hue and arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

This morning, depart Hue and drive to Hoi An. On the way stop to visit Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. Arrive at Da Nang for a visit to the Cham Museum and Marble Mountain. Continuing south, enjoy a stop at Non Nuoc Beach. This afternoon arrive in Hoi An. After check-in, enjoy walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An with your guide. Highlights of your tour through its charming streets include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the local produce market, Tan Ky House, and the Fukhien Association. You’re then free to explore or shop Hoi An on your own. The cobblestone streets in the old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Hoi An is especially well-known for its local artists and tailor-made clothing, with over sixty shops providing this service in town. Overnight in Hoi An.

 

This morning, you will be met and transferred to the Market Restaurant where you will take part in a join-in cooking class at Miss Vy’s Cooking Academy. A local success story, Vy now owns and operates several restaurants in town including the well-regarded Cargo Club, Moring Glory, and Market Restaurants. Enjoy an introduction to traditional methods and ingredients used in Vietnamese dishes. Your lesson will start with the purchase of various ingredients at the nearby riverside market. Instructions and recipes will be given while each dish is prepared. Today’s dishes will be curry vegetable soup, white rose, and grilled tuna with saffron in banana leaf. After class, you’ll have lunch at the Market Restaurant and perhaps try some of your own creations or order off the menu prepared by the professionals. Afterward, leisure time to explore Hoi An or shopping on your own. Overnight at the same hotel.

7:00am: Your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel. After a briefing on the day’s activities, we will set off on our adventure into the ethnic minority region.

9:30: After taking the countryside out of Hoi An, we begin our ascent into the mountains. Here we stop for a local Vietnamese coffee and a rest break.

10:00: We continue our journey up the mountain, deep in Co Tu country now, stopping at points of interest along the way.

11:00: Next stop Bho Hoong. Arriving at the village, we have the opportunity to freshen up before meeting a local resident who will take you on a guided walk of the village, explaining the local culture and customs as we go.

12:00: After our village walk, it is time to enjoy a local lunch prepared by the village in the community house. After lunch you’ll be treated to a traditional music performance.

13:30: Begin our return trip to Hoi An.

14:30: Descending the mountain, we arrive at the home of a local Co Tu family who will welcome you into their home to enjoy a cup of tea, or for the more adventurous, a nip of local Co Tu wine. The home contains Co Tu woodcarvings and other items of cultural significance which we are free to enjoy.

15:30: We return to our vehicle and continue our journey to Hoi An. Taking a different route, we enjoy the coast and stop at Marble Mountain to explore this significant Buddhist site.

17:00: Arrive at your hotel and tour concludes. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

Today you are free to explore or shop Hoi An on your own. The cobblestone streets in the old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art galleries and handicraft shops. Hoi An is especially well known for its local artists and tailor-made clothing, with over sixty shops providing this service in town. Overnight at the same hotel.

This morning transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon. On arrival, pick up and transfer to check into your hotel. You’ll begin visits to the highlights of downtown including Reunification Palace, formerly South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Preserved in its original state, the original war tanks are on display. Later, see the War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons. See the Emperor of Jade Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral and the 1880s General Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Saigon.

 

7:30 am pick up at your hotel and drive to Cu Chi. Enjoy scenic drive through the countryside as people work in their rice paddies with thatched hut villages scattered along the way.  Visit a local village where they make rice paper, a well- known product used in delicious spring rolls. Upon arrival at the tunnels you will have an opportunity to go underground to see the intricate system of tunnels and learn tactics of revolutionary forces. After emerging from the tunnels, you’ll have an opportunity to take target practice with an AK-47, M-16, M-60, 30 Cal & machine gun. The cost is around 1 – 1.5 USD per bullet (on your account). Back to Saigon in the afternoon.

 

At 18:00, pick up from your hotel and transfer to Le Van Tam Park to the starting point of your walking tour. The first stop is a public park where local people enjoy some dancing exercises and Goi Du Du (Papaya salad with fried beef). They gather here when the sun goes down to socialize and dance together. It is up to you to dance with them or just watch. Then, after a short walk, try your first meal of the evening: Banh Xeo, on Dinh Cong Trang. Banh Xeo is a large rice pancake filled with vegetables, shrimp and pork. Hidden in a small alley, this local street restaurant has become very famous and serves some of the best banh xeo in Saigon. The second stop is a street food place located near Tan Dinh Market where you can try a delicious local soup inspired by Chinese recipes. After another short walk, it is time for a tasty com suon non nuong, a local Saigon dish with rice and pork ribs. After crossing a busy intersection, indulge yourself with a delicious dessert and a Vietnamese café. Finally, after 10 minutes walking, enjoy the end of this evening at a live music café featuring piano and Vietnamese songs (Ban Sonate café at 52 Dang Dung Street). At the end of the tour, return to your hotel around 22:00. Note: Places are subject to change upon availability. Overnight in Saigon.

 

Day 18: (B, L): 2-day Mekong Delta tour 

8:00am departure from your hotel. This is your introduction to the rice basket of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Cai Be, you’ll board a junk boat for a tour of Cai Be’s colorful floating market. We’ll proceed to visit home factories which produce such products as rice paste, rice popcorn, coco candies, and dried longyans. Then, return by boat for an excursion to Dong Phu, Binh Hoa Phuoc, and An Binh islands located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. These islands in the Mekong River are home to a large network of meandering rivers, crisscrossed with many arroyos, and remain unknown to many people. Lunch will await you at a fruit orchard where family descendants will welcome you with a cup a warm green tea. After lunch and a short walk to visit the orchard, you’ll board a boat for a 45-minute cruise to discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe typical Mekong delta rural life. A stop can be made on the way at An Binh ancient Church. After crossing the Co Chien River, the excursion will end at Vinh Long Pier. Then pick up and drive to Can Tho, where you’ll check in to your hotel upon arrival. At leisure to relax, explore, and have dinner on your own. Overnight in Can Tho.

In the morning take a boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market – a highlight of your Mekong Delta visit. The sights of the busy and colorful floating market are unique to this area. Weaving through the various boats, you’ll arrive at a tropical fruit garden (Ba Cong Fruit Garden) where you can savor the seasonal fruits of the area. This orchard is well-known for some of the most delicious fruits in Vietnam. Afternoon return to Saigon and your hotel. Overnight in Saigon.

Free day in Saigon on your own until transfer to airport for your flight back home. End services.